March 24, 2026
The Women’s Law Association of Ontario joins other legal organizations in strongly condemning calls for Justice Anne Molloy to apologize for statements she made about Toronto police officers in a criminal case over which she presided. Premier Doug Ford and the President of the Toronto Police Association called for her apology following the release of an OPP report that disputes Justice Molloy’s comments.
Judicial independence is a cornerstone of the rule of law. Judges must be free to make findings based on evidence that is presented and tested in court, without fear of political pressure or interference. When government actors demand an apology for findings made through the trial process, it undermines the integrity of the justice system and threatens the independence of the judiciary. The only proper way to challenge a judicial decision is through an appeal. In this case, the Crown chose not to appeal the acquittal, and political criticism cannot serve as a substitute for the appellate process.
Links to statements made by other legal organizations can be found here:
The Advocates Society Strongly Condemns Calls to Apologize
FOLA Condemns Calls for a Judicial Apology in Umar Zameer case – FOLA